Finding a Great Entry-Level Cycle Jacket - Viking Warlock Jacket Review
When critiquing motorcycle jackets, we have a tendency to judge them by the standards and needs of long-term, experienced cyclists. The unfortunate truth is that, for those just getting into motorcycling, these criteria may be a good bit different. For one thing, beginners will tend to spend somewhat less time on their bikes as they’re still getting a feel for them, and they’re less likely to be out there in the more extreme temperatures of high summer and mid-winter.
This means that some forgiveness in fitting and materials is called for when looking at a prospective first motorcycle jacket. In the case of the VikingCycle’s Warlock jacket, this may work out pretty well.
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The Look Of The Warlock Jacket
Well, let’s be honest with ourselves, we’re always going to demand that our jacket look really cool. It won’t do to look unstylish on our bikes, no matter if we’re a novice or a years-experienced rider. If the jacket doesn’t look good, nothing else matters. Maybe this isn’t the most prioritized way to think of things, but that’s just how it is.
While not the classic cruiser style so iconic in pop culture, this jacket does have a very modern classic vibe to it. It achieves a contemporary, unassuming but stylish look that blends many of the safety and comfort features of sport/street jackets, with the gentle form hugging and sleek nature that makes those cruiser jackets so beloved in the first place.
Moving forward, this even blend of these two styles will probably be somewhat timeless, which gives this jacket a unique future proof nature.
Comfort in a motorcycle jacket is a delicate balance. You don’t want to feel claustrophobic in the jacket, but at the same time, something too loose would have obvious problems. Similarly, you don’t want it to feel too bulky or heavy, but you want to feel like you’ve got something on. Finally, you want this balanced comfort to also provide good wind-cutting power, especially when it’s chilly out. Remember, the faster you go, the colder that air is going to be.
This jacket checks all but one of these boxes rather nicely. I felt like I had a solid jacket on, but I never felt claustrophobic, encumbered nor weighed down by it. The adjustable sleeves and collar meant that I didn’t feel like my circulation was cut off, but it still sealed me up well enough against the elements.
Unfortunately, the wind-cutting power of this jacket isn’t phenomenal, even with the liner in. It’s far from the worst, but in particularly chilly weather, the wind is still going to bite right into you with this jacket.
Motorcycle Jacket Safety
Safety is of course a big concern, especially for a beginner. This jacket manages to be pretty well-padded and abrasion-resistant, without feeling cumbersome. Granted, it’s not as fortified as a racing jacket, but I felt very safe in this jacket, especially thanks to the waist zipper that fastens to pants to provide a unified layer of protection.
It definitely passes my standards for safety, no question there.
VikingCycle’s Signature Rain Gear Fabric is a 100% 600D Polyester coated by PU (polyurethane). The 600D Polyester coated by PU, is also wind and water resistant so it will provide great protection against cold wind and rain and it will not sag and creates less wrinkle overtime. The fabric is light weight but highly resilient against abrasions to provide more resistance between the body and the road for your protection, and also stands against wear and tear for product durability.
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Bells and Whistles
Finally, we come to the additional accoutrements this jacket offers. It’s not the most elaborate design out there, but it’s not without its charms.
- Large zipper tabs make it easy to operate the zippers with gloves on – something that can be exquisitely frustrating.
- Plenty of inside pockets for your phone, your wallet, etc. where they’re protected from the elements and impacts.
- Removable liner makes this jacket comfortable for warm and cool riding.
Warlock Jacket Textile Motorcycle Jacket Overview
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Pros and Cons
Pros
- This is an affordable jacket, especially for the quality, which is a major deciding factor for the beginner motorcyclist.
- The inside pockets are a nice touch.
- The neutral, non-aggressive style is timeless, contemporary and pairs with any style of bike.
- The zippers are phenomenal.
Cons
- Removable liner takes most of the inner pockets with it, and doesn’t cut wind well.
- Velcro is used in stead of button clasps – this is a noisy material that wears out and accumulates “fuzz”.
- There are synthetic materials in the cuffs that may be less durable.
Warranty Information
VikingCycle takes the highest pride to provide the best motorcycle gear craftsmanship and material in the world. We always stand behind all our product quality. If you experience any manufacturing defects on any of our items, please let us know and return it for a replacement within 1 year of purchase.
This warranty does not cover any item damage due to normal wear and tear or improper care. Normal wear and tear is unavoidable and it is a sign that the product has been worn, such as small scratches or color change.
To claim any manufacturing defect warranty and to get your replacement as soon as possible, please let us know by emailing us at info@vikingcycle.com with your order number and a photo of the product defect.
Conclusion
This jacket’s not perfect, but then, is anything ever truly perfect? As a seasoned rider, I’d personally purchase this jacket. It is affordable, comfortable and a stylish first jacket for a beginner? I’d definitely be happy recommending the Warlock jacket.
To purchase, click here:
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Best Budget Motorcycle Helmet
Looking for a quality motorcycle helmet without breaking the bank? You’re not alone. Motorcycle helmets are a crucial safety investment, but navigating the options at a budget-friendly price point can be tricky. This article is here to help.
We understand the importance of balancing safety and affordability. That’s why we’ve conducted in-depth research to identify a helmet that offers both, exceeding what other budget options on the market can deliver.
Finding the Best Budget Motorcycle Helmet: Challenges
Skimping on a helmet is simply not an option. A motorcycle helmet is your first line of defense in a crash, and a well-made helmet can mean the difference between walking away and serious injury.
However, comparing features and quality within a limited budget can be a challenge. Many budget helmets sacrifice safety features or comfort for a lower price tag. Our goal is to help you find a helmet that prioritizes both without going over budget.
Stay tuned as we explore a helmet that defies expectations, offering excellent value for riders seeking a feature-rich, comfortable, and safe helmet around $250.
Key Takeaways
- Scorpion EXO Covert FX offers excellent value under $260, prioritizing safety, comfort, and features.
- DOT and ECE certified for meeting safety standards (depending on your region).
- Comfortable, removable, and washable liner for long rides.
- Anti-scratch, anti-fog visor for optimal clarity.
- Speaker pockets for easy communication system integration.
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Comparison Table Title: Top-Rated Budget Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets
Helmet Name Price (USD) Safety Certifications Liner Visor Features Additional Features Scorpion EXO Covert FX ~$260 DOT, ECE (depending on region) Removable, washable, moisture-wicking Anti-scratch, Anti-fog, Easy removal Speaker pockets Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS ~$280 DOT, ECE Removable, washable, anti-bacterial Anti-scratch, Anti-fog, Double shield system Pinlock-ready visor system, MIPS Brain Protection System HJC i10 ~$200 DOT, ECE Removable, washable Anti-scratch, Anti-fog Integrated sun shield No products found.
Notes:
- Prices are approximate and may vary depending on retailer and model year.
- This table is a starting point for your research. Be sure to read reviews and compare features before making a purchase.
Introducing the Scorpion EXO Covert FX
Coming in at around $250, the Scorpion EXO Covert FX stands out as a fantastic option for budget-minded riders seeking a feature-rich, comfortable, and safe full-face helmet. With its aggressive street fighter aesthetic, the Covert FX goes beyond just basic protection, offering a stylish design that complements your ride.
In-Depth Review of Scorpion EXO Covert FX
Safety Certifications:
Safety is paramount, and the Covert FX doesn’t disappoint. It meets the DOT and ECE safety standards (depending on your region), ensuring it has undergone rigorous testing to protect your head in a crash.
Comfort and Fit:
The Covert FX boasts a plush, removable and washable liner made with a moisture-wicking material. This translates to a comfortable ride, especially on longer journeys, and allows for easy cleaning after sweaty adventures. While the video mentioned potential sizing issues, the Covert FX comes in a wide range of sizes (XS-3XL) to ensure a proper fit. Finding the perfect size is crucial for both comfort and safety, so don’t hesitate to consult the manufacturer’s sizing guide or visit a motorcycle gear store to try one on before you buy.
Ventilation:
The Covert FX features a ventilation system with two intake vents on top and an exhaust vent at the rear. The reviewer in the video noted that airflow might not be the strongest, particularly for riders on naked bikes who experience more wind buffeting. However, for riders with fairings or those who don’t mind a bit more ventilation control, the system should provide adequate airflow.
Visor:
The Covert FX comes with an anti-scratch, anti-fog visor for optimal clarity and safety on the road. The video mentioned the visor is easy to remove for cleaning or replacement, a plus for keeping your vision clear.
Noise Levels:
The video reviewer mentioned some wind noise at higher speeds. While a quieter helmet is always preferable, this is a common trade-off for some budget helmets. If wind noise is a major concern for you, consider researching aftermarket wind tamer accessories that can be added to the helmet.
Additional Features:
The Covert FX includes integrated speaker pockets for easy installation of a communication system, perfect for staying connected with riding buddies or listening to music on your rides.
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Conclusion
The Scorpion EXO Covert FX is a remarkable helmet for budget-conscious riders who prioritize safety, comfort, and features without sacrificing style. It meets the highest safety standards (DOT and ECE), boasts a comfortable and washable liner, offers decent ventilation, and includes extras like a removable anti-scratch visor and speaker pockets – all at a price point under $250. As our research and the video review highlighted, the Covert FX delivers exceptional value for riders seeking a feature-rich, comfortable, and safe helmet.
If you’re looking for a helmet that excels in both safety and features without breaking the bank, the Scorpion EXO Covert FX is definitely worth considering. Several online retailers carry the Scorpion EXO Covert FX, and you can find more information and customer reviews with a quick web search.
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Additional Considerations
It’s important to note that the video review was based on a short-term assessment, and long-term durability remains to be seen. However, Scorpion is a reputable brand known for quality helmets, so you can be confident you’re getting a good product.
Finally, remember – a helmet’s most important quality is a proper fit. While we’ve provided information on the Covert FX’s size range, it’s crucial to try on a helmet before you buy to ensure a snug, comfortable fit. Visit your local motorcycle gear store and get sized by a professional to guarantee you get the best possible protection from your Scorpion EXO Covert FX.
Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Motorcycle Helmets
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My First Motovlog
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What Is the Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance?
Motorcycles are fun, and have become a bit of an American icon representing free spirits, independence and a fun personality. Who hasn’t, at one time, wanted one, or at least to try riding one?
Well, like with any vehicle, you’re going to have to be trained to ride it, and you’re going to need insurance, as with anything on the road. Insurance is a pain, of course. It’s one of those things you shell out hundreds of dollars a year for, and hope to powers above that you never wind up needing once you have it.
It’s necessary. When you’re on the road traveling at speeds of over sixty miles per hour, accidents can and will eventually happen. Humans make mistakes, and some are, to put it frankly, idiots who just drive or ride carelessly. Insurance protects you from said idiots.
Insurance is a necessary evil, so it’s not free. Before investing in your motorcycle, you should do your due diligence regarding what upkeep of your bike is going to cost you. This includes maintenance, plates, tags, your license and, most importantly of all, said insurance.So, how expensive is motorcycle insurance? There’s no clear-cut answer to that, because different companies will vary, and more importantly, factors about yourself will directly, linearly impact price in every situation.
Let’s take some time to talk about these. If you see yourself described in any of these with prices you find painful, it may not be time for a motorcycle yet, or some other luxury may have to be given up.
What’s the Difference?
You’re thinking, you have a car, you know what car insurance rates are like, is there honestly a difference between cars and bikes in this regard? And if so, why?
To answer your first question, yes, there’s a significant difference in all regards between cars and bikes, from obtaining the license, to maintaining it, all the way up to insurance. It’s a horse of a very different color.
As for why? Well, all vehicles are inherently, mostly equally dangerous. How they’re dangerous is a big one. Vehicles can be dangerous to their passengers, of course, and often are. Their bigger danger is inflicting that damage on another unsuspecting driver, pedestrian, or other thing they may collide with.
A motorcycle is more dangerous to its rider(s). Hitting anything stationary like walls, polls, buildings or trees in a car is something you stand a decent chance of surviving, as the giant metal box around you absorbs the shock. Doing so on a motorcycle isn’t so pretty.
You could also fall off one of them doing 60, or be hit by one of the idiots we mentioned earlier whom drive negligently. When a four wheel vehicle hits a motorcycle, it usually does damage the car, though often fairly superficially. The motorcycle and its rider(s) enjoy no such luck. Riding a motorcycle requires far more vigilant operation due to this risk, the dangers of larger vehicles, and a plague of drivers who don’t check for motorcycles.Check for motorcycles, America.
Insurance Pricing
Like we said, due to a lot of variables, there’s no way to predict with one hundred percent certainty what your price would be, even with a lot of criteria, as these prices tend to be calculated at the time by an agent, due to the impact of variables changing from time to time.
Thus, the pricing below is an average, or generality. They’re good enough to ballpark whether or not you have the budget to ride a motorcycle legally.
Cruiser or Touring Motorcycle
- 25-60 yo, Good Driving Record, Liability Only – This going to be the least expensive scenario, as liability is the minimal legal coverage possible, just as with home or car insurance. It’s not hard to qualify for this insurance if you have a clean or at least good driving record. It may be possible to get it cheaper through your car insurance provider, if you’re in good standing with them as a customer. Est. Price: $100-$500/year
- 25-60 yo, Good Driving Record, Full Coverage – Chances are, you’ll want to protect what you love, and that means additional coverage for repairs, replacements, theft and other such concerns, not just covering you legally in an accident. This makes the price go up a good bit, but for this particular customer bracket, less than you might expect. This too may be cheaper through your existing auto insurance provider. You may also cheapen it further via installing approved anti-theft devices, purchasing approved safety gear, and so on. Est. Price: $400-$800/year
- 25-60 yo, Bad Driving Record, Full Coverage – A bad record can really haunt you with insurance. Not only can it be hard to get liability (due to having a record of being one), but the price of the full coverage will be considerably higher. We can’t really even give you a reliable estimate here, because it all depends on which provider you approach, what kind of bad driving record it is that you have, and what kind of mood the agent is in when they quote the price. Suffice it to say, it will be very expensive, possibly unmanageably so, and there aren’t really any lifehacks to make it cheaper. Et. Price: Impossible to guess, but tremendously high!
Crotch Rocket Sports Motorcycle
- 16-24 yo, Good Driving Record, Full Coverage – A 16-year-old probably shouldn’t be on a motorcycle, especially not a crotch rocket of all things. At that age, if motorcycles are something they want to pursue as a hobby or way of life, they should be learning fundamentals on dirt bikes. However, in some states, it is legal under guardianship, and at 18, anyone can legally drive anything if they earn the license to do so. Inexperience (which for motorcycles often takes liability only off the table) raises prices quite a bit, and full coverage is itself quite expensive. Parents might be able to get prices lower if policies give them some of the responsibility, thus lowering the premiums a little, but really, this is just going to be expensive, no matter how you slice it. Est. Price: $900-$1200/year
Are you a long-time rider just seeing if you can find a better price for your motorcycle insurance? Are you someone who’s planning to get into biking? Did these prices make you rethink how interested you were? I’m curious to know, so subscribe to me on YouTube, and let me know somewhere in the comments if these prices are obscene, about what you expected, or quite a bit lower than you feared. Then stick around, if you still want to ride, I’ve got some great content to get you started with one of America’s great hobbies!
